SRINAGAR: Pulwama came alive on Tuesday evening as the second edition of the Royal Premier League cricket tournament opened under floodlights, drawing thousands of spectators to the Sports Stadium and turning the conflict-affected district into a venue of sport and celebration.
MLA Pulwama Waheed Para claimed more than 20,000 people attended the inaugural match of the day-and-night tournament, cheering, drumming and celebrating as the league got underway.
The trophy was unveiled by Para, while SSP Pulwama conducted the toss before the opening match began at 8 pm.
Para said the tournament was aimed not only at promoting cricket but also at providing young people with a space to come together amid what he described as continuing hurt and alienation.
“Once again, Pulwama is roaring. Lights on, fear off, hearts full of hope,” Para said in a statement. He said the event was an attempt to bring “some light, happiness and hope” to young people who were hurting and aggrieved, allowing them to come together, celebrate and enjoy the game.
“The league was built by Irfan Sarkar, but it belongs to the valley—to every village, mohalla and home,” Para said.
The Royal Premier League has brought together ten teams from different parts of the Valley. The participating sides are Sultan Warriors Baramulla, The Real Sultan Sumerbugh, Al Noor Kings, Bhat Lions Kupwara, Valley Star Ganderbal, Murad Cricket Club, Al Fallah Cricket Club, United Imports Srinagar, Valley Fresh Cold Chain and Royal Goodwill Cricket Club.
The tournament is scheduled to continue at the Sports Stadium Pulwama, with day-and-night matches being played under floodlights.
The return of the league has been welcomed by local residents, who said sporting events provide an important avenue for young people and contribute to a positive atmosphere in the district.
However, residents have simultaneously urged the district administration and traffic authorities to make arrangements for traffic management and public convenience, recalling difficulties faced during last year’s tournament.
Residents said the previous edition had caused significant congestion, particularly along the Murran Chowk-to-stadium stretch, with traffic disruptions affecting commuters and people returning home after work.
